video; un: sg.rogers

[livingsymbol]

How do you go about picking gifts?

[ He's just going to dive right in. No real introduction, but Steve figures that most people won't care too much about who is asking this or why. ]

I'm sure a lot of you are better at this than I am, so I guess I need some advice. How do you find a good gift for someone that already has far more than you've seen for half your lifetime? Not that I'm aiming to impress anyone, but it'd be nice to pull it off.

[ He grins a little. Okay, so maybe he's trying. Just a little. But Steve is rarely the one that surprises anyone else. He just wants a chance at doing something cool for a change. Of course, he's realistic and knows this is unlikely, but he can try. ]

I'm in a little over my head on this one. Everyone else always has the flashy stuff covered.

Comments

[livingsymbol]

I don't particularly like the idea of fighting myself. But I will if I have to.

[ Steve cups his hand around the back of Loki's neck, stroking it lightly. ]

There's nothing wrong with your honor.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki snorts lightly at that even as he tucks himself closer to Steve's hand. ]

[livingsymbol]

[ He hums, amused by the way Loki presses up against him. Whatever the god might say, he certainly appreciates Steve's compliments. ]

I would fight for it. You know that.

[dothelokimotion]

It would be a losing battle. And heroes don't lose.

[livingsymbol]

I would make sure not to lose. And keep your honor intact.

[ It's a promise. After all, he still believes Loki has honor to save. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki shoots him a flat look. ]

Even you can't believe that.

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve meets that skeptical look with a clear blue gaze. ]

I always believe in you.

[dothelokimotion]

[ His throat catches as Loki raises his neck to kiss Steve softly. ]

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve returns the kiss with a chuckle.]

I mean it. You don't have to worry about that.

[dothelokimotion]

I worry regardless.

[ It's his thing, but he settles himself against Steve with a sigh. ]

[livingsymbol]

I know.

[ Because if there is one thing Steve has learned, it's that Loki frets at lot. ]

I'll just keep insisting until you believe me. I hear I can be pretty determined at times.

And I don't lose.

[dothelokimotion]

Really?

[ His grin is salacious. ]

I can remember one time you lost.

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve shoots Loki an embarrassed frown even though they aren't being overheard. ]

Well. That was different.

[ How dare you tease him, Loki! ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki's grin widens. ]

How so? Do tell.

[livingsymbol]

[ It turns out that when Steve gets embarrassed enough he does turn pink to the ears. He doesn't often find himself flustered -- a soldier is trained not to be caught by surprise under any circumstances -- but such a personal jab slips right beneath his skin and makes Steve's posture straighten to cover for his feeling of sudden vulnerability. ]

That was just between us. And it didn't have anything to do with what I believe in.

[dothelokimotion]

[ There is a brief flash of panic as Loki wonders if he has, yet again, overstepped. His nerves are still a little raw with his fights with Taako and Thor and he immediately withdraws his light-hearted teasing. ]

Of course. My mistake.

[livingsymbol]

[ That sudden tense reaction from Loki followed by the way he withdraws from Steve's words makes the blond pause. He frowns slightly, surprised at not finding the usual resistance, and relaxes his posture. After a moment to think, Steve breaks the silence: ]

I'm just going to have to keep score.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki watches Steve carefully before relaxing as well. He shouldn't have panicked. He trusts Steve. He hasn't messed this up. ]

What is the score now?

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve meets Loki's eyes. ]

One to one. You lost too.

[dothelokimotion]

[ His brow furrows. ]

When did that happen?

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve smirks slightly, grabbing Loki and tugging him into a kiss. ]

"I've already lost."

[ Yes, he is quoting him there. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki melts into it, a purr rumbling deep in his chest as the last of his unease disappears. When he pulls back, his expression is full of quiet mirth and affection. ]

Then it seems the game is on.

[livingsymbol]

Going for the tie-breaker?

[ Steve looks smug, teasing him in the way Loki often teases. Maybe he's learning some from the god of mischief. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki laughs softly. ]

I am a sore loser. Just like you.

[livingsymbol]

That's just fine. Makes it more interesting.

[ And just in case Loki doesn't believe him, Steve nudges Loki with his shoulder. ]

Don't think you'll win so easily next time.